Pastor John Elagiwu: I have nothing to gain from the new Och’Idoma – Ortom

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has said he was never interested in who becomes the next paramount ruler of Idoma nation.

IDOMA VOICE recalls that Dr. John Elagiwu Odogbo, a pastor with WF Kumuyi-led Deeper Life was announced Och’Idoma-elect on 30 but the apex-social cultural group of the Idoma community known as Ochetoha K’Idoma, rejected the decision of the kingmakers, saying the new monarch was imposed on the people.

Leader of the group, AVM Tony Adokwu, described the process that produced Elaigwu as faulty, manipulative and must be annulled.

Reacting, however, the state government through the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and Supervising Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ekpe Ogbu, described the claims by Ochetoha K’Idoma as baseless.

Ogbu said the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom did not interfere in the process.

His words, “We encourage the leadership of Ochetoha K’Idoma to equally show that it is truly committed to the stated objectives of the association and stand for all Idoma children irrespective of their place of birth or status in society. They should support the Benue State Government in promoting peace, brotherliness, fairness, equity and justice. They should desist from hiding under the umbrella of the socio-cultural group to fight for personal interests at the expense of the larger population they claim to represent.

“His Excellency, Samuel Ortom has nothing personal to gain from who becomes the Och’Idoma and therefore had no reason to be interested in a particular candidate.

“His only promise was that he would stand by the choice of the people of Idoma Kingdom and that is what he has done. The new Och’Idoma is a product of a transparent, fair and lawful process. The vituperations of the Ochetoha K’Idoma on the issue are totally baseless, unfounded and should be completely ignored.

Thank you. God bless you.”